Entries sought for the Queen's Awards for Enterprise 2009

Businesses in the Highlands and Islands are being urged to apply for the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2009. The deadline for entries is midnight on 31 October 2009. The 2008 business awards saw two winners in the area, KP Technologies Ltd in Caithness and Loch Duart Ltd in Sutherland.

The Queen’s Awards are highly sought-after and provide tangible benefits for companies who receive one. The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is recognised in the UK and overseas and is respected as a mark of quality and success by the business community.

Businesses may apply for the business Award in one, two, or all of the three categories of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise. These are: International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development.

The competition is free to enter and every unsuccessful applicant will receive detailed feedback about the strengths and weaknesses of their case, so it is a useful benchmarking exercise and a good investment of a company’s time.

In July 2004 an Award for individuals - The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion (QAEP) - was introduced to recognise and reward people who have promoted business enterprise and entrepreneurial skills and attitudes in others. So if someone has played an outstanding and significant role in promoting enterprise in various ways, such as working with young people, inspiring young entrepreneurs, or providing much needed mentoring, investment, skills training and encouraging innovation, they may be nominated within the QAEP category.

Stephen Brice, Secretary to the Queen’s Awards Office, said:

“The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is more than just something to feel proud about, the benefits are tangible and real, such as higher profile in home markets or increased recognition overseas, an increase in sales – as much as 60% improvement as a direct result of gaining the Award has been reported by one previous winner – and many feel it gives them a definite edge over their business rivals.

“At a time where the competitive edge makes a real difference, market recognition of Award holders is an unmistakeable advantage in both home markets and overseas. “

You can find further information on the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise website at www.queensawards.org.uk – and you will also be able to make a business Award application or Individual Award nomination on-line right up until the midnight deadline on 31 October 2008. Alternatively, application / nomination forms can be obtained by calling 08705 13 44 86.